24.9.13

23.9.13

Oh, autumn. You are my favourite season for sure. The cooler temperatures and the need to wrap up; knits and tights and boots; the promise of Christmas. And the blackberry and apple crumble. Nothing like a spot of blackberry picking at the meadow to get those autumnal juices flowing.

I'm sorry for being rather absent round here the last few weeks. Doing a full time freelance job, whilst being a full time Mama is pretty crazy. Especially when you have a poorly baby, like we did this week. Mostly though, it's all going rather smoothly and the money is absolutely worth it. Plus I'm nearly halfway through, thank goodness.

This week I'm going to try and squeeze in more blogging though. I miss this space and I miss you guys. It's going to be a big week; I shoot my first wedding on Friday and I'm both crazy excited and crazy nervous. I can't wait to share more with you all.

Thanks for sticking around, and I hope you all have a fantastic week xx

15.9.13

That, up there, is a moment of true magic. One I doubt I'll ever forget. That, up there, is a picture of Josephine and her cat, Teeny.

One afternoon this week, I was tapping away at the computer while Josephine was happily playing. Suddenly she took my hand, exclaiming 'cat! cat!' Puzzled, I stood up and let her show me what she was so excited about. She led me to the fireplace, laid down and pointed at the tiles in front of her.

Josephine: 'Cat! Cat!'

Mama: Where darling?

Josephine: There!

Mama: In front of you? Wow! How big is it?

Josephine: This! (making a very small shape with her hands)

Mama: Oh! And what colour is it?

Josephine: Red!

Mama: And what's it's name?

Josephine: (thinking about it carefully) Teeny!

Mama: It's name is Teeny? Wow!

Her first imaginary pet/friend. It was an extraordinary moment, that was so wonderful. She was so excited, and she sat looking and talking to Teeny the Cat, like this, for about ten minutes. My camera happened to be on the table and I snapped these shots.

Teeny has been with us all week. He mostly lives in her cot, and they play when she goes to bed. Ben and I listen with glee as we hear her talking to him ('hello cat!') across her monitor.

9.9.13

We've been meaning to visit the Eden Project whilst on our Cornish adventures for years now, but have never quite got there. This year, thanks to Superbreak, we finally made it and I'm so glad we did.It drizzled a little here and there, but it made no difference at all. Especially once we meandered through the beautiful displays of plants, flowers and art into the Rainforest and Mediterranean Biomes. We strolled round the Mediterranean Biome first, taking in the sights, sounds and smells; Josephine 'ooohhing' and 'aaahhhing' over the pretty flowers. The winding pathways ensured you were always moving, always seeing something new. We were lucky enough to find a few wooden stumps where we could sit and enjoy our little picnic while listening to the water trickle into a nearby pond. Josephine adored eating her sandwiches there, looking this way and that at all there was to see. Next we entered the Rainforest Biome, and it really felt like we were transported right into the heart of some tropical jungle. The heat and humidity hit us instantly, while the giant butterflies swooped round our heads. We followed the paths up into the canopies of the trees, stopping to read genuinely interesting facts about rainforest life. The heat soon got too much for our sleepy explorer and she fell asleep in my arms. As Josephine snoozed, Ben and I carried on wandering through the gardens outside. The rows of lavender were beautiful. As was the hillside covered in striking sunflowers. But my favourite was the wild flower meadow (the last picture). I want our entire garden to look like that please. It was a great day, and I would definitely recommend it as a place to visit if you're ever in the depths of Cornwall. The message really resonated with Ben and I and (if you're anything like me, this is an important factor) the shop at the end was awesome :)

5.9.13

As we sat on the beach at Marazion, the beautiful Hazel asked if i'd snap some pictures of her with her littlest, Tawnie. I was happy to oblige of course, and I'm really pleased with the results of this little impromptu family session. Just Hazel and her babies, playing on the beach.

1.9.13

It's become a little Cornish tradition to spend a day on the beach with my sister's great friend, and our friend too, Hazel. Two years ago, Hazel and I sat on the beach, comparing our rounded bellies. Last year, our babies met and this year Josephine and Edyn ran across the sand together, along with Hazel's eldest Zenny and her newest little one, Tawnie. Picnics were eaten, the sweetest gifts exchanged, baby cuddles were squeezed and Phiney followed Zenny around, mesmerised by her as only a 19 month old is with a four year old. The sun may not have shone, but the rain stayed away, and that's all you need for a lovely day on the beach with the sweetest family.

HELLO, I'm Nell and this is my journal. Documenting magical days with my husband Ben and our daughters, Josephine and Coralie; recording the adventures we have together. Life is always beautiful with these three.